Dominate the 2026 ADA Direct Access Test – Unlock Your Access to Success!

Under the ADA, a disability means a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or is treated as if it does. Diabetes is a chronic condition that often fits this description because it can affect important activities like self-care, work, and energy management, and it typically requires ongoing treatment and accommodations. That makes diabetes a protected disability.

Obesity by itself is not automatically considered a protected disability under the ADA, though it may be related to other qualifying impairments. Temporary fatigue and the common cold are short-term conditions and do not amount to a substantial, long-term impairment, so they are not protected.